Saturday, December 19, 2026 · 4:30 PM
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary — 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
As the year approaches its darkest point, gather at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the coming winter solstice in the most fitting way possible: on the trails at dusk with a lantern in hand. Before heading out, you'll craft your own lantern to carry through the sanctuary, while a naturalist shares the science behind the solstice—why the days have been getting shorter, what's happening astronomically, and why this moment has been celebrated across cultures for millennia. The walk itself is quiet, beautiful, and full of seasonal wonder, making this a perfect way to honor the turning of the year and welcome the return of longer days. Meets in the Barn. Wear footwear appropriate for the trails. Participants should be able to walk a mile or more on uneven terrain.